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Particulars

Trip Dates:

2008
January 15-27

January 28-Feb 9

Custom trips available and can start any date. Call or email for details

2009
January 14-26

January 27-Feb 8

Trip Size:

8-16 participants

Total Days:

13 days/ 12 nights

Arrive/Depart:

Hanoi/Saigon

(depart from Siem-Riep if doing post-trip)

Accommodations:

Sofitel Metropole, Hanoi

Pilgrimage Village, Hue

Life Resorts, Hoi An

Ana Mandara Resort, Nha Trang

Empress Resort, Dalat

The Sailing Club Boutique Beach Resort

Post trip:

Grand Hotel, Saigon  

FCC Angkor, Siem Riep

Activity Level:

Moderate
20-40+ miles daily
van supported

Terrain:

Moderate with some hills

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):
US $3450
Includes 12B/7L/9D

Single Supplement:
US $420

Bike Rental:
US $290

Additional Airfares within Vietnam:

US $148

Hanoi-Hue

Danang-Nha Trang

Pre-trip Option: Price: US $450 Includes all meals Total Days: 3D/2N

Post -trip extension:

Price: US $950 Includes 4B/3L/3D Total Days: 5 days/ 4 nights

Additional Airfare Saigon to Siem Riep: US $150

Enchanting and exotic, and fast becoming the most popular destination in Indochina, Vietnam features lush countryside, colorful village markets, dramatic beach coastline and friendly, engaging people. Whether cycling along rice paddies, walking ancient trails, or on the water visiting floating markets, our trip offers the best of this fascinating country.

Please note: we offer daily ‘non-cycling’ options for those who choose not to ride.

Itinerary

Pre-Trip extension (optional):

Ha Long Bay - Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is often described as the eighth wonder of the world. This archipelago marvel is an ideal introduction to the country and one that will not be soon forgotten. From Hanoi, we’ll shuttle to the coast where you’ll board a traditional Chinese “junk” vessel to explore the over 2000 limestone islands. We’ll hike through cathedral caves, walk enchanting trails and have a chance to kayak past pearl farms before enjoying a sunset seafood dinner from our cozy deck. Accommodation is ‘on board’ with private cabins.

DAYS 1+2:
Hanoi - Taking a cyclo (bike-taxi) is the best way to tour Hanoi’s Old Quarter as we visit the city’s markets and monuments, lead by a local guide. We’ll sample delicious Vietnamese/ French cuisine at Hanoi's quaint restaurants, and enjoy the comforts of the Metropole, located in Hanoi's charming French Quarter.

DAYS 3+4:
Hue - After a short flight to Hue, the religious and educational center of Vietnam, we’ll cycle or walk (your choice) through the famed Imperial Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll have a chance to meet a famed Hue historian and conservationist, whose family’s ancestry has links to a former emperor; a visit to his home, the former residence of a Nguyen Dynasty princess will be a highlight. On the next day, we’ll boat down the Perfume River to explore ancient temples and cycle back along a river-side lane. Cycling distances: D3: 20-40 km; D4: 20-40 km

DAYS 5+6:
Hoi An - Departing Hue, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive/ride along Vietnam's Central coastline. We'll stop mid-morning to visit local Vietnamese in their homes and fishing village, before continuing over Hai Van Pass. Those choosing to descend on bikes, will enjoy an exhilarating ride. Reaching Danang, we’ll visit the famous Cham museum to glimpse the artistically inspired culture that ruled here for a thousand years. Time permitting, we'll also stop at China Beach and hike up to explore the caves of Marble Mountain, before cycling into Hoi An, where we’ll stay at the picturesque Riverside Resort. With its candle-lanterns, historical homes and quaint river-side setting, Hoi An is one of our favourite villages in Vietnam, ideal for exploring the quiet countryside. In addition to wonderful cycling, there are options for a river-boat cruise, town walking tour and Vietnamese cooking lessons from the region’s top chef. Cycling distances: D5: 30-40 km; D6: 30-40 km

DAY 7+8:

Nha Trang - After a short flight to the bustling coastal resort city of Nha Trang, we will check in at the 5-star Ana Mandara Resort. Afternoon options include sailing, snorkeling, exploring the city or simply relaxing pool/beachside. We’ll start early the next day for a spin past the Long Son Pagoda dominated by the Sitting Buddha, before enjoying a countryside ride past small villages to a historical town. Cycling distances: D7: n/a; D8: 30-40 km

DAY 9+10:

Dalat- Leaving the coast, we’ll welcome the contrast of Vietnam's Central Highlands, featuring spectacular waterfalls, pine tree forests and minority hilltribes. Keen riders have the option of riding the early morning ascent (gradual), cooling off with fresh watermelon along the way. The next day's options include a cycling tour of Dalat's historical villas and a visit to a minority village. For those who might like to walk/hike Lang Bian Mountain makes for a wonderful excursion. We’ll stay at the Empress Hotel, wonderfully situated on Lake Xuan Huong, a stroll away from the central flower and produce markets. Cycling distances: D9: 40-80km; D10: 30-70 km

DAY 11+12:

Phan Thiet - The 1400-meter descent from the highlands back to the coast promises to be an exhilarating day as we wind our way down forested countryside, by bamboo jungles and past sparsely populated villages, rarely seen by Western visitors. Arriving to Phan Thiet, we’ll stay at the enchanting Mui Ne Beach Resort. Cycling early the next morning on a scenic road hugging the turquoise coast, we will catch a glipse of local fisherman bringing their fish to market. For those preferring to relax or sail out into the South China Sea, options are many. We'll finish with a beach banquet to celebrate our trip! Cycling Distances: D11: 40-80km; D12: 30-40 km

DAY 13 : Depart by coach for Saigon.

 

Post-trip extension (optional): Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) + Siem Riep

DAYS 13-17:

For those continuing with our extension (highly recommended), we’ll cycle a coastal route from Phan Thiet to Vung Tau, where we’ll board a hydrofoil for the short trip to Saigon. We’ll stay at the elegant Grand Hotel, in the heart of Saigon's shopping and dining districts. On our second day, we’ll soak up the historical sites, offering tours to the Cu Chi tunnels and the Cao Dai temple and guided visits to the city’s museums (if you prefer to relax around the pool this is an option). On the third day, we’ll fly to Siem Riep, Cambodia for two days exploring (by bike if you choose) the World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat. We’ll stay at a wonderful river-side hotel, close to the Royal Gardens. On the fourth day, you can depart at your leisure.